Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

ShiningWorld Reader

Nick: I have just read the Self-Esteem and Parenting document you sent me.

Here is how it kind of went:

Oh, that’s interesting, I like this… read on.

Oh, hang on… Er, what? I don’t like that.

Arggghh, no, that can’t be me.

I don’t do all the nice things I do to make up for the fact that I just don’t know myself…

I like the bit where it’s my parents’ fault…

Flinch… cower, ouch, ouch, that isn’t right.

I’m not like that… it’s all my own ignorance.

The self-loathing is actually just lack of self-knowledge.

Please, arrghh, no more, stop reading.

Phew, okay, onto the logical Vedantic reasoning bit…

Shit, that makes more sense than anything I’ve ever read before.

Smiling…

Warm…

Full…

Complete…

And tell James that it is without touching myself OR taking a cold shower.

Sundari: Which self would you be talking about here?

Nick: Pure gratitude for sending what is probably one of the most important things I will ever know.

PS: Please ignore any residual vasanic overtones of neediness for attention from others in perceived positions of superiority and importance via continued email spamming.

This matter is one of those currently under observation and will be resolved ASAP.

Thank you for your continued patience.

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us